16
The Shorter Catechism,
Q. What doth repentance unto life imply?87
A. It also is a saving grace a, whereby,
Convinc'd of sin b, and having full belief
In Christ's salvation c, sinners do, with grief,
And hatred of their sin, turn to the Lord d
And vow, and strive, to keep his holy word e.
a Acts xi. 18. b Acts ii. 37. c Joel ii. 13. d Jer. xxxi. 18, 19.
e Psalm cxix. 59.
Q. What are the outward means by which the Lord 88
Doth us redemption's benefits afford?
A. The outward ordinary means, by which
God doth the way of life to sinners teach,
His holy solemn ordinances are,
Chiefly the word, the sacraments, and prayer a
All which are made subservient to effect
The sure salvation of his own elect.
a Acts ii. 41, 42.
Q. How for salvation is the word made sure ?89
A. The reading it, but chief the preaching pure,
The Spirit makes an efficacious means,
In turning sinners from their many sins a;
And raising them in holiness of mind,
And joy b, through faith, till they salvation find c:
a Psal. xix. 7. b Thess. i. 6. c Rom. i. 16.
Q. How should we read and hearken to the word,90
That it to us salvation may afford?
A. With preparation due a, and prayer sincere b,
We should its precious doctrines read and hear;
With love receive them c, in our hearts them hide d,
And make them constantly our faithful guide e.
a 1 Pet. ii. 1, 2. b Psal. cxix. 18. c Heb. iv. 2. 2 Thess. ii. 10.
d Psal. cxix. 11. e James i. 25.
Q. How, for salvation to the chosen some,91
Do sacraments effectual become?
A. Through nought of ministers, or of their own a,
But by the blessing of the Lord alone;
His Spirit working in them who believe,
And worthily those sacred seals receive b.
a Cor. iii. 7 b 1 Pet, iii. 21.
